2. Overview
I. Definition of gambling
II. Types of gambling
III.Prevalence
IV.Disordered gambling
V. Epidemiology
VI.Gambling in the Elderly
VII.Prevention

3. Gambling
Defined as risking something of value, usually
money, on the outcome of an event decided at least
partially by chance.

4. Forms of Gambling
Casinos Lotteries BINGO Halls
Horse/Greyhound RacesOnline Gambling Sports Betting

5. Prevalence
• More than 75% of Americans ages 18 and older have
gambled at least once
• Many view gambling as a harmless form of entertainment
and for many it is but . . .

6. 1 in 20 adults have a gambling disorder

7. Supposed “Benefits” of Gambling
Gambling is the most commonly preferred recreational activity among older
adults. Some studies claim gambling provides a medium for recreation and social
connection.
However, in a investigative report conducted by the Institution of American Values,
most seniors reported that gambling can be a lonely and repetitive activity.
Citing through various interviews that the most common reason for gambling was
to “pass time”.

8. Disordered gambling
DSM-V: Persistent and recurrent gambling behavior leading to clinically significant
impairment within 4 of the listed criteria within a 12-month period:
● needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieved desired excitement
● restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or cease behavior
● unsuccessful efforts to control, reduce, or stop gambling
● preoccupied with gambling
● gambling when feeling distressed
● lied to conceal gambling behavior
● jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or education, career opportunity
because of gambling
● relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situation caused by
gambling

9. Disordered gambling continued
Gambling behavior patterns that disrupts or damages personal, family, or
vocational pursuits
DSM-V shifted categorization from “impulse control” issue to a “substance
related and addictive disorders”
It is an emotional and psychological problem that has financial consequences
Disordered gambling presents physiological and psychological symptoms that
mirror substance abuse (ie. withdrawal, changes in neurobiology)

10. Signs of Disordered Gambling
● Preoccupation with gambling
● Irritability or restfulness when attempting to stop
● Attempting to “chase” losses
● Loss of control
● Neglect of personal needs(food, utility, and medical)
● Unaccounted finances and assets
● Social withdrawal/ isolation
● Changes in attitudes and personality
● Blocks of unaccounted time

12. Reasons for Gambling and their Alternatives
Reason Alternative
Provides excitement/Gets rush of adrenaline Join a sport or challenging hobby such as rock
climbing
To be social/Get over shyness or isolation Counseling, join a social club, take a public
speaking class, connect with family/friends,
volunteer, or meet new friends
To numb unpleasant feeling or ignore problems Therapy
Boredom/Loneliness Find something to be passionate about and find
others with the same passion
Relax after a stressful day 15 minutes of daily exercise can reduce stress,
deep breathing, meditation or even a massage
Solve money problems The odds are stacked against you, it is better to
seek help from a credit counselor

13. Epidemiology
Among US Adults:
• 2 million adults are diagnosed pathological gamblers
• 4-5 millions adults are considered “problem gamblers”
• 95% of those with substance use disorders have gambled in their lifetime
• Lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be impaired by gambling
• Women and seniors show increased numbers as problem gamblers
• Asians, African-Americans and Native Americans have a higher vulnerability
to gambling problems

14. Epidemiology continued
In New Jersey:
• 350,000 adults
• 87,000 seniors are affected by problem or disordered gambling
• 30,000 youth aged 14-17 are dealing with a gambling addiction
• Gambling treatment and prevention funding allocated ONLY $0.11 per person
while substance abuse allocated $11.68 per person
• Atlantic City has one of the highest rates of suicide of any U.S. city since the
start of any legalized casino gambling

15. Types of Gamblers
Social - Individual who gambles on a regular basis and gets upset when their schedule is
interrupted
Problem - Mild to severe gambling, generally causes issues with family, finances and often
interferes with career
Compulsive/ Pathological - Most serious type of gambling. Characterized by compulsive
thoughts and often actions that can ruin the individual's life
Action Gamblers Escape Gamblers

17. The Costs of Gambling
Cost of gambling is estimated at $6 billion per year
Social Costs:
child abuse
domestic violence
crime
Healthcare Costs:
alcoholism
rehabilitation
suicide

18. Who’s at Risk?
Anyone who gambles is at risk of developing a gambling addiction, especially if
their behavior is detrimental to other areas of their life and if they have lost
control over their gambling.
Individual are also more susceptible if they have a genetic predisposition to
addiction or if they have the inability to effectively cope with stress.
Anyone with previous history of addiction or mental illness is at an increased
risk of developing a gambling addiction

19. In Fact . . .
1 in 3 individuals with
substance use disorders
struggle with gambling

20. The Vulnerability of the Elderly
• Dealing with retirement
• Death of a spouse
• Physical/emotional pain
• Loneliness
• Lack of social opportunities
• Too much time on their hands
• Reluctant to seek care for mental health disorders
• Stigma attached to seeking mental health care
• Availability of disposable income
• Cognitive impairment
• Asserting autonomy and independence

22. Alternative Activities for Older Adults
Provide:
● Cognitive Stimulation
● Meaningful Social Interaction
Alternative Activities:
● Songs/Music
● Exercise and Fitness
● Arts & Crafts
● Completing Puzzles
● Book Clubs
● Gardening
● Cooking
● Civic Engagement/ Volunteering

23. Preventing Disordered Gambling
Prevention Measures:
Providing meaningful and stimulating alternative activities
Provide emotional support for any traumatic experiences or stressful
situations
Increasing awareness and knowledge about gambling addictions
Reduce stigma and encourage treatment-seeking behavior

24. Treatment and Resources
National Gambling Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Gam-anon/Gamblers Anonymous
Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral
Psychosocial
Marital
Family